About Tobacco Moth
A small greyish-brown moth that primarily infests stored tobacco but also attacks cocoa, cereals, and dried fruits. It is cold-tolerant and problematic in temperate warehouse environments.
Did You Know?
It is more cold-hardy than most stored product moths and can complete development at temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius.
How to Identify Tobacco Moth
Tobacco Moth (Ephestia elutella) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Pyralidae. Adults typically measure 8-11 mm body; 14-20 mm wingspan.
Tobacco Moth Habitat
Tobacco Moth is found in indoors habitats, particularly across Worldwide in temperate and subtropical regions. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Tobacco Moth Diet and Feeding
Tobacco Moth feeds on fruits. Fruit-feeding insects are attracted to ripe and decaying fruit, and some species can be significant agricultural pests.
Where Is Tobacco Moth Found?
Tobacco Moth can be found in Worldwide in temperate and subtropical regions, where it inhabits indoors environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Tobacco Moth can be found
Is Tobacco Moth Dangerous?
Tobacco Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Tobacco Moth Role in Nature
Tobacco Moth is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Tobacco Moth
What does Tobacco Moth look like?
The Tobacco Moth typically measures 8-11 mm body; 14-20 mm wingspan.
Where is Tobacco Moth found?
The Tobacco Moth is found in Worldwide in temperate and subtropical regions and typically inhabits indoors environments.
What does Tobacco Moth eat?
The Tobacco Moth feeds on fruits.
Is Tobacco Moth dangerous to humans?
The Tobacco Moth is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Tobacco Moth?
It is more cold-hardy than most stored product moths and can complete development at temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Tobacco Moth (Ephestia elutella). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/tobacco-moth
MLA:
"Tobacco Moth." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/tobacco-moth.